From Vanity Fair · Savannah Walsh · · 3m
Colman Domingo on craft, chaos, and staying true
The Oscar-nominated actor discusses his philosophy of creating without permission, navigating Hollywood drama, and why he won't apologize for his choices.
In brief
The Oscar-nominated actor discusses his philosophy of creating without permission, navigating Hollywood drama, and why he won't apologize for his choices. Domingo's career success comes from refusing to wait for permission and creating work on his own terms, a philosophy he now passes on to younger artists. Originally…
Old Hollywood taught him resilience
Domingo admires Clark Gable and Bette Davis for staying committed to their work despite industry chaos. He learned to measure his own success from within, not from external validation.
“You have to pull that from inside.”
Three decades of playing weird roles
Despite early pressure to audition for clean-cut parts, Domingo embraced unconventional characters from civil rights activist to pimp. His willingness to be different became his strength.
“I was always a little weird.”
Clowning school for the soul
Domingo performed in a political children's circus in San Francisco, an experience he credits with preparing him for Hollywood's chaos. He believes everyone should study clowning.
“It prepared me for the circus that I'm in now, in many ways.”
Euphoria brought Emmy recognition
His role as addiction sponsor Ali on HBO's Euphoria earned him two Emmy nominations and a win in 2022. The character gave him the most complex arc of his television career.
He helped heal set tensions
Amid reports of conflict on Euphoria's third season, Domingo may have helped bring cast and crew together by focusing on creative solutions rather than drama.
“There could be some truth to that.”
Defends Sam Levinson's set culture
Domingo pushes back against negative press about the Euphoria set, calling his experience extraordinarily positive and collaborative. He questions whether people have been honest about their experiences.
“I feel like my whole experience on Euphoria has been extraordinarily positive and collaborative.”
Fear the Walking Dead was harder
Domingo worked on the AMC series for eight seasons from 2015 to 2023, enduring 16-hour days in mud and filth. He considers it more taxing than his Euphoria experience.
Michael Jackson film grossed one billion
The biopic earned over one billion dollars worldwide but faced criticism for not addressing sexual assault allegations against Jackson. Domingo played Joe Jackson, the patriarch.
He explains the film's approach
Domingo says the movie celebrated Michael's artistry from his perspective, not from allegations. Legal constraints prevented covering certain topics, though some were initially included.
“There's certain legal ramifications where certain things couldn't be covered.”
A potential Michael Jackson sequel
Domingo suggests a second film could cover more of Jackson's life and address broader aspects of his story. He hasn't received an offer yet but thinks it might happen.
“Maybe in part two, if there's a part two, I think there might be.”
Create without asking permission
Guided by playwright Lynn Nottage's advice to just last and keep creating, Domingo tells young artists that no one can stop them from making art. He built his career by creating, not waiting.
“No one can tell you not to create. Liberate yourself.”
His philosophy for aspiring actors
Domingo mentors young performers by emphasizing that waiting leads nowhere. He created his career by making work happen today, not seeking permission or waiting for opportunities.
“If I waited, then I wouldn't have the career that I have now.”
The key point
Domingo's career success comes from refusing to wait for permission and creating work on his own terms, a philosophy he now passes on to younger artists.
